Zeiss-Ikon Super Ikonta C 6x9 Accessories

[Arthurwg]

I've just purchased a Zeiss-Ikon 6x9 camera (531/2) and am awaiting it's arrival in the post. I had this camera years ago and it worked perfectly. Never should have sold it. So here I go again. Great way to get into the 6x9 format.

Can anyone tell me which lens hood I need for the 105mm Tessar Opton? Which filter size? I am looking for original Zeiss accessories.

 

[Bill Burk]

You will need the 1112 A37 if you're talking about the f/3.5

 

[Arthurwg]

Thanks so much. Would filters be 37mm push-on as well?

 

[darinwc]

Yes. There are also voigtlander filters and hoods that are 37mm push on . The hood is very expensive but the filters are reasonable. I believe they will fit but I am not certain.

 

[jmccl@yahoo.com]

I have an Ikonta and I use 37mm threaded filters. Those little nubs on the lens barrel are engineered to accept a female 37mm threaded filter.

 

[GRHazelton]

Check with Tim at filterfind.net. He knows his stuff.

 

[Marco Gilardetti]

Yes. There are also voigtlander filters and hoods that are 37mm push on . The hood is very expensive but the filters are reasonable. I believe they will fit but I am not certain.

No, the hood doesn't fit. Learned the hard way.

 

[Arthurwg]

Well, my Super Ikonta C arrived today. Camera looks to be in perfect condition. Even the viewfinder is clear enough to be useful.. Only one problem: the rangefinder doesn't seem to be working. Looking through it I see a large half-circle to the left and a smaller round circle to the right. Is this what I should be seeing? Unfortunately, I don't see any split image at any distance setting, or any "convergence" on the right at all when focusing. This suggests that it doesn't work for some reason. . It's a beautiful camera except for this and I'd love to keep it, but I think I'll have to return it. Any advice?

 

[Dan Daniel]

. Any advice?

Well, because it has to be asked, I'll do it- you have moved the stalk next to the lens into the raised position? A 531 has this, yes? And if it is raised, or a non-moving stalk, look at the front of it when focusing. You should see the small glass circle rotate.

 

[Arthurwg]

Yes, it is raised. I'll look to see if there is any movement.

 

[Arthurwg]

OK, I see there is movement (rotation), and under low light I can see a rather dim "convergence." But when it appears to be in focus the number on the lens is close to 45 ft, while the actual measurement is closer to 25. Perhaps it needs calibration?

 

[Dan Daniel]

How is it at infinity? And are the images aligned? If it's just a distance setting, that's not too difficult. And it might be that the actual focus at the film plane is in agreement with the rangefinder, but the number scale is off.

And try for brighter light? I've never found the Zeiss prism system very good in dim light.

Are the bellows good? Have you shot any film yet? Calibrating the focus and rangefinder system is a tedious project, but if the camera is in good shape it can be worth going through since there are so many mediocre and damaged cameras out there of this type. Do a search on aligning Zeiss rangefinder prism or such to get a feel for what is involved and if you want to give it a go. If not, and it is flawed, return it, I guess.

 

[Arthurwg]

Sorry, had to give up on this camera. Returned via Ebay. Not clever enough to fix it myself and can't spend more to have it fixed.

 

[takilmaboxer]

As an avid folder user for 50 years now, and one who loves the Zeiss 6X9 series, please allow me to offer advice based on hard earned experience. First, there are vendors on Ebay who CLA these cameras and resell them (not sure if it's OK to mention which ones on this forum). They are more expensive but they work right out of the box. You can email the vendors and ask for a specific camera even if that particular model isn't listed on the Bay. I have three Zeiss and one Agfa 6X9 and they all work like new, all the time. Second, consider the 524/2 which has an uncoupled rangefinder. Once they've been calibrated they are easy to use. Good Luck!